Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Honda Accord
How the Mitsubishi Lancer and Honda Accord compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Honda Accord: The Lancer averages 45.5 complaints per year with 29 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Accord also has 3 deaths and 146 injuries in crash reports, versus 0 deaths and 29 injuries for the Lancer. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car with a relatively low complaint volume: 455 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 45.5 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train (134 complaints) and engine (78), with owners describing transmission slipping, loss of power, and unusual noises. There are 29 recalls and 39 crash-related reports, but no deaths in the data. For a used-car buyer, this suggests a vehicle that may need attention to its transmission and engine, but the overall complaint rate is modest.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car with a much higher complaint volume: 4,524 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 452.4 per year. The leading issues are engine (1,006), electrical system (895), and forward collision avoidance (837), with owners reporting stalling, sudden braking, and electronic failures. There are 38 recalls and 162 crash-related reports, including 3 deaths. This points to a vehicle with more frequent and potentially more serious reported problems, especially in newer model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 455 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mitsubishi Lancer
- 01POWER TRAIN134
- 02ENGINE78
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
- 04SERVICE BRAKES41
- 05SUSPENSION38
Owners report transmission problems such as gears slipping out during acceleration, causing RPMs to spike to 6000-7000, and complete loss of power while driving. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include heavy engine noises, reduced fuel mileage (dropping from 700 km to 300 km per tank), and loss of power with illuminated fault lights. Such symptoms may indicate internal engine damage or sensor failures that are costly to fix.
Reports describe complete electrical failures while driving, often coinciding with power train issues. This can disable critical functions and leave the driver stranded.
Owners mention brake fluid leaks inside the vehicle and faulty clutch master cylinders causing shifting problems. These defects can compromise braking and clutch operation, increasing accident risk.
“I BOUGHT MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN NOV. 2014 AT LONG LEWIS FORD IN FLORENCE, AL, WHERE I RECEIVED ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE PERFORMANCES FOR IT. ON SEPT. 15, 2017, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER AND EXPERIENCED COMPLETE…”
“RECEIVED VEHICLE AT 10KM, AFTER 2 OIL CHANGES, AT 16000KM MILIEGE DROPPED FROM 700KM ON A TANK OF GAS TO 300KM TANK OF GAS. AT 24000KM HEAVY TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NOISES OCCURRED. GEARS SLIPPING OUT WHILE ACCELERATING CAUSING RPMS TO SHOOT UP TO 6000-7000 W…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These issues can indicate serious powertrain defects and may lead to stalling or reduced power.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds, as well as TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can cause loss of control and near-collisions.
Owners describe unexpected braking or failure to brake when adaptive cruise control is engaged, sometimes occurring repeatedly under similar conditions. This defect can lead to rear-end collisions or other accidents.
Reports include persistent rotten-egg odors and interior trim issues that can trap a driver's foot. While not always safety-critical, these problems are frustrating and may indicate broader quality control issues.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mitsubishi Lancer — 29 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive b…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's nu…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
The risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this reca…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles…
The risk: Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, through February 21, 2014, and 2014 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, through February 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have insu…
The risk: Due to abrasion and rust, a hole may develop in the power steering tube, allowing the fluid to leak out, resulting in added steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the leaking fluid increases the risk of a fire in th…
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power steering tube for sufficient clearance. If the vehicle has insufficient clearance, the power steering tube assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer notifi…
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
Mitsubishi Lancer or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer has far fewer complaints per year (about 45.5) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452.4). In practice, this means a used Lancer buyer may encounter fewer reported problems overall, though both vehicles have notable issues. The Accord's higher complaint rate, especially in engine and electrical systems, suggests a greater likelihood of needing repairs.
Key differences
- The Honda Accord has about 10 times more complaints per year than the Mitsubishi Lancer (452.4 vs 45.5), indicating a higher frequency of reported issues.
- Accord owners frequently report advanced driver-assistance failures (forward collision avoidance: 837 complaints), while Lancer complaints focus on basic power train and engine problems.
- The Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries in crash-related reports, compared to 0 deaths and 29 injuries for the Lancer, though these figures depend on many factors.
- Both have recalls, but the Accord's recalls include hybrid power control software and fuel pumps, while the Lancer's include manual transmission and engine belts.
- During a test drive, listen for transmission slipping or unusual noises when accelerating, and check for delayed or harsh shifting.
- Inspect for brake fluid leaks near the clutch pedal and under the dashboard, and test the clutch for proper engagement.
- Test all electronic systems, especially power steering and brakes, and watch for warning lights or sudden loss of assist.
- Check for rattling engine noises during acceleration and ensure smooth transitions between EV and gas modes if it's a hybrid.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- Test drive on highways and in stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where owners reported failures.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
- For the Accord, verify that any advanced driver-assistance systems have been serviced or updated per recalls.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mitsubishi Lancer | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 537 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mitsubishi Lancer or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer vs Honda Accord
- Mitsubishi Lancer total complaints
- 455
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mitsubishi Lancer total recalls
- 29
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mitsubishi Lancer avg complaints/year
- 45.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Mitsubishi Lancer top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE